Probable cause
A hard landing as a result of the pilot's improper flare. A contributing factor was the prevailing wind.
NTSB analysis
The 475-hour private pilot approached runway 19 at 70 mph and selected "one notch" of flaps. The pilot stated that the wind was light and variable, but that the airplane still had a wind correction angle to the runway. The pilot stated he still had the "crab [angle]" (to the runway) still in, when he flared too high. He added that the airplane's speed was about 60 mph. The airplane's right wing dropped as he pushed the control stick forward and added engine power; however, the airplane hit the runway at a right angle of about 15-20 degrees. The airplane's nose gear collapsed and the airplane slid for 50-60 feet, before coming to rest in the upright position. Examination of the airplane revealed that the nose wheel had separated from the aircraft and the right wing had sustained substantial damage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DFW08CA138 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 11, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Norfolk, Nebraska
- Nearest airport
- Karl Stefan Memorial (OFK)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Jihlavan KP-5
- N-number
- N79KP
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.